Some travelers prefer a sunny beach vacation. Others wish to spend their time hiking through picturesque mountains. Maybe you are searching for a quiet, romantic getaway. Or maybe you need a good family destination. Whatever kind of vacation you are looking for, you are sure to find it in Cinque Terre.
Cinque Terre is Italian for “Five Lands” and refers to five towns along the Italian Riviera (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore). Travelers flock to Italy to explore the turquoise waters, emerald mountains, and brightly colored buildings that make this destination a dream-come-true. While each town is stunning, every town has a unique personality, so every traveler will find something to love about Cinque Terre.
For the beach bums: spend your days relaxing on the white sands
If your dream vacation consists of sipping cocktails with the sun on your shoulders and sand on your toes, Monterosso is the town for you. While all of the beaches throughout Cinque Terre and beautiful and each town has something special to offer, Monterosso is the only true beach town.
Walk along the beachside boardwalk, pick up some souvenirs in the seaside shops, dine on fresh fish with a view of the ocean, and fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves. Monterosso is the biggest town out of the five (they even have cars driving along the main street!), but it is still small enough to capture the quaint beauty of a serene beach town.
For the adventure addict: hike between all five towns
If you are the type of person that prefers hiking boots to swimsuits, you will love the massive network of hiking trails connecting all five towns in Cinque Terre. For the amateur hiker, consider sticking to the main trail and catching the water taxi (available in all five towns) back to whichever town you are sleeping in.
The more experienced hikers can pack their gear into a backpack and either stay on the main trail or explore the trails that go deeper into the mountain. Just be warned, the latter includes a lot of uphill and downhill. Consider starting at Monterosso and hiking towards Riomaggiore, sleeping in the different towns along the way. The north-to-south route is considered by many to be the better option, as it offers more striking vistas that will take your breath away.
For the whole family: explore the town and indulge in some delicious gelato
While kid-free travelers will be attracted by the idea of spending hours on the beach and hiking through the mountains, there is plenty to do in Cinque Terre to keep the whole family happy. Most families prefer staying in Vernazza, the most popular town in Cinque Terre.
Of course you and the family can enjoy a bit of beach time in Vernazza or let the kids burn off some energy by taking a short hike, but that is not all this town has to offer. Give your family a dose of history by visiting the Castello Doria and the remains of an old wall that used to protect Vernazza from pirates. Then, enjoy a meal in the stunning waterfront piazza. Finally, end your day with some delicious gelato from one of the gelaterias on the main street.
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The honeymooners: celebrate your love in a romantic paradise
Cinque Terre is a gorgeous and romantic option to celebrate your new marriage. Corniglia is especially great for honeymooners and couples in general. Tucked away on the cliffs, visitors hike up 365 stairs to reach this town. This makes Corniglia harder to get to, which means it is the quietest and most peaceful town in Cinque Terre.
Honeymooners will enjoy their serene escape in Corniglia and can take date trips to explore the shops, food, beaches, and hiking trails all around them. If the climb is a bit much for you, Manarola is another smaller and quieter town in Cinque Terre. Manarola has the added benefit of being on the beach with a harbor that is ideal for swimming.
Cinque Terre is a true gem, no matter who you are!
The beauty of Cinque Terre is unbelievable. Whether you tack it onto a longer trip in Italy or pick it as your only destination, you are guaranteed to fall in love with these fairytale towns. For a trip that will please every kind of traveler, visit Cinque Terre.
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